The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon MP, alongside Parliamentary
under-Secretary of State, MP, will welcome Minister
for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, and Minister for
Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan TD, at
Hillsborough Castle later today for the BIIGC.
The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) will be
held today [Thursday 30 April] at Hillsborough Castle. Against
the backdrop of recent attacks on police stations in Northern
Ireland, and at a pivotal moment of legislative transition for
the Troubles Bill, both governments are set to reaffirm their
unshakeable commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, upholding
peace and the continued stability of the devolved institutions.
Condemnation of the recent attack on Dunmurry Police Station is
expected - as well as the attempted attack outside Lurgan police
station in March - as the UK and Irish governments confront the
reckless disregard shown by dissident republicans towards local
communities and businesses in Northern Ireland.
During the meeting, the UK Government will emphasise its
commitment to the Troubles Bill and the landmark joint agreement
made with the Irish Government in September 2025. Following
Monday's successful carry-over motion in Westminster, the
Secretary of State will reiterate his pledge to continue progress
on the Bill early in the next session.
The Secretary of State will outline the Government's commitment
to a legacy framework that is legally sound, helps victims,
including hundreds of Armed Forces families still looking
for answers about what happened to their loved ones during the
Troubles; and offers the strongest
possible protections to veterans who served in Northern
Ireland, and helped secure the peace of the Good Friday
Agreement.
In addition to security and legacy, the Conference will reflect
the bilateral commitments made at the second UK-Ireland Summit in
Cork earlier this year. Discussions will include the joint
commitment to develop any future digital ID solutions in
partnership and opportunities to share lessons from the Northern
Ireland peace process and enhance cross-border economic
resilience.
